Birthmarks

Definition

Birthmarks are colored spots on the skin that babies are born with or develop shortly after birth. More than 10 in 100 babies have birthmarks.

These marks can be bright red, pink, brown, tan, or bluish. Birthmarks can be flat on the surface of the skin or raised. Birthmarks are labeled by their colors and consistencies.

The most common types of birthmarks include:

Café-au-lait Spots

These are light tan colored spots. Having up to three of these spots on your body is usually fine. Having more than three café-au-lait spots may indicate a condition called
neurofibromatosis
. It is a genetic disorder that causes skin tumors.

Hemangiomas

Hemangiomas
are usually flat or slightly raised and bright red or bluish in color. They may appear anywhere on the body. They are often found on the face, head, and neck. Hemangiomas are usually present at birth or develop during the first few weeks of life. These birthmarks tend to grow quickly during the first 12 months of your child’s life. They tend to stop growing after the first year and then slowly disappear. They may also be found inside the body. Two types of hemangiomas include:

Strawberry hemangioma—This type of hemangioma is usually raised and bright red like a strawberry. This bright red coloring is due to numerous, dilated blood vessels that are close to the surface of the skin. These hemangiomas usually go away on their own by age ten. Most of these hemangiomas do not require any treatment unless they ulcerate or are located in places where they could prevent normal body functions, such as around the mouth, nose, eyes, anus, or throat.

Cavernous hemangioma—This type of hemangioma is beneath the skin. It is puffier than a strawberry hemangioma and more bluish in color. These types of hemangiomas are less likely to go away on their own. Facial hemangiomas may be associated with vascular deformities of the brain. Your doctor may recommend an
MRI scan
to determine whether this is present.

Macular Stain

These are often called angel’s kisses or stork bites. These harmless birthmarks are pinkish or light red. They can be found anywhere on your child's body. They are most common back of the head and neck. Usually, they are barely visible. No treatment is necessary for this type of birthmark.

Moles

Moles appear as dark brown or black spots. They are small groupings of colored skin cells. Nearly everyone has small moles. They usually begin to appear after birth.

Mongolian Spots

These flat birthmarks on the surface of the skin have a blue-gray color. They are often located on the buttocks or base of the spine. These types of birthmarks are generally harmless. They are sometimes mistaken for bruises. They tend to disappear by puberty.

Port-wine Stains

Port-wine stains are pink, red, or purple colored blotches on the skin. Their size varies. They can be found on the face, neck, arms, or legs. Although there are treatments to minimize the appearance of port-wine stains, they are permanent.
Large port-wine stains on the face may suggest a condition called Sturge-Weber syndrome. This syndrome can result in seizures and affect intellectual disability.

Congenital Nevus

Congenital nevus is a dark, textured mole that is present from birth. Many of these may be covered in part with hair. They may be very large, covering the abdomen and thighs, or smaller. They may appear at multiple sites. This particular birthmark can develop into
melanoma
at some point in life. It is generally removed as soon as possible, depending on size, location, and need for reconstructive surgery to achieve a good cosmetic result.

Causes

The exact cause of birthmarks is unknown.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the chances of developing particular birthmarks include:

Sex: Female—Hemangiomas are more common in females and premature babies

Ethnicity:

Mongolian spots are more common among Asians, East Indians, Africans, Native Americans, and Hispanics

Café-au-lait spots are more common in African-Americans

Symptoms

Birthmarks may cause:

Changes in the color of the skin—lighter or darker than usual

Lumps or swelling on the skin

Changes in texture of the skin

New lesions on the skin

Birthmarks:

May differ in size and appearance

Are most likely present at birth or appear in the first few weeks or months of life

Are commonly found on the face and neck

Most of these birthmarks are generally harmless. However, hemangiomas and port-wine stains may produce some complications:

Hemangioma complications:

Open sore or ulcer

Interferes with the appearance or function of nearby structures such as the eyes or mouth

Excessive bleeding after an injury

Sudden and rapid growth

Port-wine stains:

Emotional and social complications

Interfere with the function of nearby structures such as the eyes

Growth problems

Easy bleeding

On rare occasions, moles can become cancerous. Any suspicious, colored lesion should be examined by a physician and closely observed or removed.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Birthmarks are usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin area. If there is any question of the diagnosis, a biopsy may be taken and tested. You may also be referred to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin disorders.

Treatment

Most birthmarks can and should be left alone. Treatment is generally recommended if the birthmark is:

Cosmetically undesirable and unlikely to resolve on its own

Causing discomfort or complications

Has the potential to develop into a more serious condition (rare)

Treatment options include the following:

Corticosteroids—A type of anti-inflammatory medication that can be given orally or by injection. It is the most common treatment for rapidly growing hemangiomas. Corticosteroid medications are for long-term use. If they are given orally, it may result in poor growth in children and elevated blood sugar.

Laser therapy—Lasers can be used to prevent the growth of hemangiomas and to remove hemangiomas and port-wine stains.

Surgery—May be used to remove a colored lesion or to remove scars that remain from other treatments.

Cosmetic alternatives—There are many makeup products that effectively cover up birthmarks. These are sometimes referred to as corrective cosmetics. They include concealers, neutralizers, and camouflage products.

Regular check-ups with your doctor or dermatologist are important for lesions undergoing treatment or observation.

Prevention

Birthmarks cannot be prevented.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.